“Great Escape” event shows past, future of Lorton Reformatory

Location has been turned into a park

Shamus Ian Fatzinger/Fairfax County Times
"That was the hole. That was hell on earth" says Scott Breeze, a former prisoner at Lorton Prison from 1995-2000, as he points to one of the small buildings inside the maximum security section of the former Lorton Reformatory. Breeze was one of special guests at the "Great Escape" Prison to Park Festival that was held Saturday at Laurel Hill Park. The remaining prison complex is set to be redeveloped into a mix of retail and residential buildings, as well as civic and office space. Most of the historic buildings will be preserved.

Shamus Ian Fatzinger/Fairfax County Times
Lorton Reformatory Corrections Major from 1960-1985 Clyde Butler wore his uniform that was hanging in the Workhouse Prison Museum as he told stories of what life was like from a guards perspective at the former prison Saturday during ""Great Escape" Prison to Park Festival at Giles Run Meadow Park.

Shamus Ian Fatzinger/Fairfax County Times
"That was the hole. That was hell on earth" says Scott Breeze, a former prisoner at Lorton Prison from 1995-2000, as he points to one of the small buildings inside the maximum security section of the former Lorton Reformatory. Breeze was one of special guests at the "Great Escape" Prison to Park Festival that was held Saturday at Laurel Hill Park. The remaining prison complex is set to be redeveloped into a mix of retail and residential buildings, as well as civic and office space. Most of the historic buildings will be preserved.

A festival celebrating the transformation of Lorton Prison into a natural, cultural and recreational park location was held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Laurel Hill Park.

In addition to nature walks, equestrian demonstrations, food and music, visitors also got a chance to learn about what the prison had been like and to see the amenities available at the park it had become.